YouFit Health Clubs expands to Orlando area

YouFit Health Clubs, a St. Petersburg-based chain started by a Planet Fitness veteran, has opened its first Orlando-area facility.

The company's newest location, at 7706 University Blvd. east of Winter Park, had its soft opening Wednesday. It gives YouFit 53 outlets nationwide, including 36 in Florida.

Owner and founder Rick Berks said he is scouting other locations in the Orlando area as well.

Berks was a Gold's Gym franchisee before opening the first Planet Fitness in South Florida in 1993. He launched his no-frills YouFit model in 2008 in St. Petersburg and converted his former Planet Fitness clubs.

The company's niche: Basic gyms with lots of cardio equipment but no extras, "for people who want to work out in a relaxed, non-threatening environment, without the trauma and drama of the usual health club," Berks said.